Statisticians

The Victorian Basketball Statisticians Association is always looking for willing volunteers and staff.

Who is a Basketball Statistician?

A Basketball Statistician is a game official who is responsible for recording all actions for both teams during a game. At least two statisticians officiate at each game – one (the caller) calls all the action on court to the second statistician (the computer operator), who inputs these actions into a computer. A third statistician (the spotter) may also be present, their role is to clarify or pick up missed actions by the caller.

Statisticians are generally affiliated with a club and are required to officiate at all home games. However, it’s not unusual for some statisticians to officiate for more than one club throughout the season.

Why become a statistician?

It’s fun.

It’s a great way to be involved in basketball outside of coaching, playing and refereeing.

Learn and appreciate more about the game of basketball.

Meet people with similar interests.

It’s not a time-consuming position as there are no duties to perform outside of the actual game.

You do not need to provide any equipment.

There is the opportunity to progress to the international level of competition.

Do statisticians get paid?

This depends on the association. Statisticians traditionally officiate on a volunteer basis, however some associations do now pay a nominal fee to their statisticians.

What competitions do statisticians officiate at?

Statisticians officiate at most senior competitions around Australia. Depending on their level of accreditation, Victorian statisticians have the opportunity to officiate at the:

National Basketball League (NBL)

Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL)

National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL)

South-East Australian Basketball League (SEABL)

Big V.

As well, statisticians are often required at various tournaments throughout Victoria and across Australia, such as pre-season NBL and WNBL tournaments, Australian Junior Championships and State Club Championships.

At the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ten Victorian statisticians were chosen to officiate at the highest level of basketball in the world. In January, 2005, Victorian statisticians were involved in the Deafolympics. Several Victorian statisticians also participated at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.

How do I become a statistician?

To become a statistician, you must be 14 years or older and have a basic knowledge of basketball. Some experience with computers is also an advantage.

After you have achieved your Level 1 and Computer Course accreditation, and practiced officiating at a few games, you are ready to begin your new position as a Basketball Statistician. Your accreditation is recognised across Australia.